Pope Francis backs campaign to end ‘scandal’ of world hunger

Published: 11 December 2013

People must stand united against the scandal of hunger while avoiding food waste and irresponsible use of the world’s resources, Pope Francis has said.

- CNS/Catholic Herald

People should 'stop thinking that our daily actions do not have an impact on the lives of those who suffer from hunger firsthand,' he said in a video message launching a global campaign of prayer and action against hunger.

Organised by Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based federation of Catholic charities, a global 'wave of prayer' was due to begin at midday yesterday on the South Pacific island of Samoa and head west across the world’s time zones.

Pope Francis offered his blessing and support for the 'One Human Family, Food For All' campaign in a video message released on the eve of the global launch. With about one billion people still suffering from hunger today, 'we cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist', he said in the message.

There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, he said, but only 'if there is the will' to respect the 'God-given rights of everyone to have access to adequate food.'

By sharing in Christian charity with those 'who face numerous obstacles', the Pope said, 'we promote an authentic cooperation with the poor so that, through the fruits of their and our work, they can live a dignified life.'

Pope Francis invited all people to act 'as one single human family, to give a voice to all of those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a roar which can shake the world.'